Bats of Stanley Park
BCIT Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation Program
Erin Rutherford and Doug Sinclair
2009-2010
BATS OF STANLEY PARK
BY
ERIN RUTHERFORD
DOUG SINCLAIR
A REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE DIPLOMA OF TECHNOLOGY
In
FISH, WILDLIFE AND RECREATION MANAGEMENT
RENEWABLE RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
We accept this report as conforming to the required standard
_______________________________________
Supervisor
_______________________________________
Program Head
BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
May 2010
ii
Summary
Bats are important and understudied animals in the ecosystems of British Columbia. The Lower
Mainland of BC is known to support up to 10 bat species, yet little research on bats has been
conducted in this region. The Bats of Stanley Park project was initiated by the Stanley Park
Ecology Society in cooperation with the BCIT Fish, Wildlife and Recreation program to learn
more about the bats of the Lower Mainland of BC and raise awareness on their role in the
ecosystem. Surveys of bats and their habitat were carried out from summer of 2009 through the
spring of 2010 to investigate the presence and distribution of bats in Stanley Park. Acoustic
surveys using an ultrasonic bat detector examined bat activity distribution within the park
spatially and seasonally. Bat activity was found to be concentrated around freshwater, with the
highest levels of activity occurring in the spring and summer. Mist-net trapping was conducted to
identify bat species using the park. During the project four bat species were confirmed in the
park; the Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis), the Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus), the Big
Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) and the Silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). Bat habitat
features in the park were also examined using ground-based wildlife tree surveys and Stanley
Park map data. Mapping revealed potential roost trees in riparian areas and a diversity of habitat
types throughout the park.
Raising awareness on the bats of BC is an important component of the Bats of Stanley Park
project. An education module was created to help people understand why protecting bats and
enhancing their habitat is positive for the ecosystem as a whole. The curriculum-based BC bat
education program for grades 5-7 gives youth a chance to learn about the benefits of bats and
potentially become partners in protecting bats in BC. Providing public education and
stewardship for bat habitat helps ensure that bats remain an integral part of the ecosystems of
BC.
iii
Table of Contents
Summary ................................................................................................................................... iii
List of Tables............................................................................................................................. vii
List of Figures .......................................................................................................................... viii
Acknowledgments ....................................................................................................................... x
1.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Bats and Stanley Park ...................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Stanley Park Ecology Society and Wildlife Research ........................................................ 2
1.3 Purpose and Objectives .................................................................................................... 3
2.0 Bat Species Natural History.................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) ................................................................... 5
2.2 Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) ..................................................................................... 6
2.3 Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus) .......................................................................................... 6
2.4 Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) ...................................................... 6
2.5 Keen’s Myotis (Myotis keenii) ........................................................................................... 7
2.6 Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) ............................................................................... 7
2.7 Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis) ................................................................................... 8
2.8 California Myotis (Myotis californicus) ............................................................................... 8
2.9 Western Long-eared Myotis (Myotis evotis) ...................................................................... 8
2.10 Long-legged Myotis (Myotis volans) ................................................................................ 9
3.0 Study Area ..........................................................................................................................10
4.0 Methods ..............................................................................................................................14
4.1 Colony Emergence Count ................................................................................................14
4.2 Acoustic Monitoring .........................................................................................................14
4.2.1 Summer Acoustic Monitoring ........................................................................................15
iv
4.2.2 Winter Acoustic Monitoring ...........................................................................................16
4.3 Mist-Net Trapping ............................................................................................................16
4.4 Habitat Survey .................................................................................................................19
4.5 Education Module ............................................................................................................20
5.0 Results and Discussion .......................................................................................................21
5.1 Colony Emergence Count ................................................................................................21
5.2 Summer Acoustic Monitoring ...........................................................................................22
5.3 Fall-Winter Acoustic Monitoring .......................................................................................27
5.4 Mist Net Trapping ............................................................................................................28
5.5 Habitat .............................................................................................................................31
5.5.1 Stanley Park Map Survey ..........................................................................................32
5.5.2 Wildlife Tree Survey ..................................................................................................35
6.0 Education Module ...............................................................................................................37
7.0 Conclusion and Recommendations .....................................................................................39
8.0 List of References ...............................................................................................................41
9.0 Appendices .........................................................................................................................46
Appendix 1 Mist-Net Capture Data ........................................................................................46
Appendix 2 Mist-Net Trapping Permit ....................................................................................50
Appendix 3 Brilliant Bats Education Program.........................................................................51
3.1 Brilliant Bats Lesson Plan.............................................................................................51
3.2 Brilliant Bats Presentation Script Overview...................................................................52
3.3 Comparative Bat Anatomy Game .................................................................................53
Objectives ..........................................................................................................................53
Materials ............................................................................................................................53
Description .........................................................................................................................53
3.4 Echolocation Game ......................................................................................................54
Objectives ..........................................................................................................................54
Materials ............................................................................................................................54
Description .........................................................................................................................54
v
3.5 School Grounds Interpretive Walk ................................................................................54
Objective ............................................................................................................................54
Materials ............................................................................................................................55
Description .........................................................................................................................55
Appendix 4 Bat Box Building Plan .........................................................................................56
vi
List of Tables
Table 1. Bat species found in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia that are believed to
Use Stanley Park, Vancouver BC and their federal and provincial status as of 2010
(VNHS, 2006, Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993).
5
Table 2. Acoustic survey summary of bat echolocation activity during the 2009/2010
Stanley Park Bat Survey, Vancouver BC.
23
Table 3. Echolocation frequencies of the ten species of bats found in the Lower Mainland
of British Columbia when using a heterodyne bat detector
(Adapted from RISC 1998).
Table 4. Mist-net capture results 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Survey, Vancouver BC.
26
29
Table 5. Forest vegetation type for the 14 acoustic monitoring sites in the 2009/2010
Stanley Park Bat Survey.
32
Table 6. Site proximity to habitat features for the 14 acoustic monitoring sites in the
2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Survey.
33
vii
List of Figures
Figure 1. The Lower Mainland region of British Columbia (2) in relation to the other regions
of BC (Source: BC Ministry of Environment, 2010).
1
Figure 2. Stanley Park peninsula adjacent to the downtown core of Vancouver British
Columbia. Inset map: Stanley Park (2009).
10
Figure 3.The two major water bodies in Stanley Park: Beaver Lake (A) and Lost Lagoon
(B). Beaver Creek (C) is fed by Beaver Lake.
12
Figure 4. Stanley Park blowdown affected areas following the major December 2006
windstorm.
13
Figure 5. The 14 acoustic monitoring sites used for the 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat
Survey.
16
Figure 6. Features used to identify bat species on the 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat
Survey: Forearm measurement (FA). Ear measurement (E). Tragus measurement
(TR) (Source: Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993)..
18
Figure 7. Features used to determine bat maturity on the 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat
Survey: Finger joint of a mature bat (A). Finger joint of an immature bat (B)
(Source: Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993).
18
Figure 8. Features used to identify bat species on the 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Survey:
Tail with fringe present (A) and absent (B). Calcar with keel (C) and unkeeled (D)
(Source: Nagorsen & Brigham 1993).
18
Figure 9. 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Survey August-September 2009 acoustic
monitoring pass activity by site.
24
Figure 10. 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Survey acoustic monitoring echolocation activity
levels at Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon.
28
Figure 11. Total numbers of bats captured by species during mist net trapping sessions
in August and September 2009 of the 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Survey.
29
viii
Figure 12.Beaver Lake wildlife tree locations surveyed during the 2009/2010 Stanley Park
Bat Survey.
35
Figure 13. Lost Lagoon wildlife tree locations surveyed during the 2009/2010 Stanley Park
Bat Survey.
36
ix
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Robyn Worcester, Conservation Program Manager for SPES, who
sponsored our project, assisted us to design the park surveys, helped mist-net bats and also
provided her time to answer our questions; Susan Leech, project biologist, who acquired the
permits, supervised the mist-netting and supplied her personal mist-nets; Danny Catt, our
project supervisor, who has given his time to have meetings with us and help guide us in our
project; Mariee Devereux, education programs manager for SPES, for her support in the design
of the education program; Wayne Horvath, measurements instructor at BCIT, for assisting with
the design of the wildlife tree survey; Greg Ferguson, stewardship coordinator for SPES, for
helping with the mist-netting; Jakob Karpik and Kang Huang, FWR volunteers for the wildlife tree
survey; and the staff of the BCIT Fish, Wildlife and Recreation program for their support.
x
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Bats and Stanley Park
Bats are a large and diverse group of mammals that are distributed worldwide over a wide range
of habitats. By species, bats account for almost a quarter of the world’s mammal species, with
only rodents outnumbering bats in species diversity (Altringham, 1996). Bats are successful at
utilizing a range of habitats and can be found in most environments, from deserts to forests.
There are an estimated 19 species of bats that include Canada within their home range (Fenton,
2005). Of these 19 species, 16 are found in British Columbia, eight of which are found in no
other province or territory in Canada. Eight of BC’s bat species are provincially designated as
Red (endangered or threatened) or Blue (special concern) listed species (BC Conservation Data
Centre, 2010), with two of these species occurring in the Lower Mainland (Figure 1). Relatively
little is known about the bats of British Columbia. Initial studies have examined geographic
ranges and habitat needs of the province’s bat species, but have focused primarily on the
diverse interior ecosystems of the province (Holroyd, et al. 1994; Barclay & Brigham, 1996).
Figure 1. The Lower Mainland region of British Columbia (2) in relation to the other regions of
BC (Source: BC Ministry of Environment, 2010).
1
No formal studies have been conducted on the bat species in Stanley Park. Current information
on bats in the park has come from anecdotal observations and distribution range data compiled
on bats found in BC. Provincial distribution data indicates ten bat species as possible users of
the park. It is not known if all ten bat species with range distribution in the Lower Mainland of BC
actually use Stanley Park. Bats have been observed in the park foraging over Beaver Lake and
Lost Lagoon. The most commonly sighted bats in Stanley Park are believed to be Yuma Myotis
and Little Brown Myotis (VNHS, 2006). Similar to many animals living in seasonal climates, it is
assumed that bats in British Columbia are only active through the spring and summer, migrating
or hibernating during the fall and winter (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). It is unknown if nonmigratory bats overwinter in the park.
1.2 Stanley Park Ecology Society and Wildlife Research
Working in partnership with the Vancouver Park Board, the Stanley Park Ecology Society
(SPES) is a non-profit organization that takes a lead role in providing environmental education,
conducting stewardship activities and carrying out wildlife research in Stanley Park. Started in
1988, SPES operates a public Nature House on Lost Lagoon and engages in stewardship and
education programs for school groups and the general public, connecting people with nature
(SPES, 2009a). SPES supports the conservation of Stanley Park through the activities of their
staff and volunteers and also engages in partnerships with post secondary institutions to carry
out research projects on the wildlife and ecosystems of the park. In 2008 SPES initiated the first
study of bat species using the park. In 2009 SPES invited the involvement of the BCIT Fish,
Wildlife and Recreation program to work collaboratively to conduct additional research on bats
in Stanley Park.
2
1.3 Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of the 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Project was to gather data about the bat
species utilizing Stanley Park. In addition, the data gathered was used to create new
educational materials for classroom and public education and to enhance stewardship for bat
habitat in Stanley Park.
The objectives of the Stanley Park Bat Project were to:
1) Conduct presence/not detected surveys to determine what species of bats are found within
Stanley Park;
2) Examine habitat use of the bats within Stanley Park and identify available bat habitat by
conducting surveys at sites throughout the park;
3) Create an education program about the bats of BC for classroom and public education.
2.0 Bat Species Natural History
Bats are unique flying mammals that play an important role in the ecosystem. Bats, unlike most
small mammals, are unique in having long lives, often up to 20 or 30 years, and low
reproductive rates, usually one young per year (Findley, 1993). Bats are classified in their own
order, Chiroptera, made up of many diverse families. All bats in BC belong to the evening bat
family Vespertilionidae, which are nocturnal or crepuscular insectivorous bats that use
echolocation to navigate and to locate prey. Being active at night and consuming insects
enables evening bats to fill a distinct ecological niche as nutrient cyclers, making them a
valuable part of the ecosystem (Fenton, 2005). Bat populations are reliant on access to high
quality roosting and foraging sites in their environment (Barclay & Brigham, 1996). While these
needs differ between species, most bats found in the Lower Mainland of BC are associated with
wildlife trees that provide roosting habitat (Fenger et al. 2006).
3
Roosting sites are one of the most important features in the environment for bat habitat. Bats
require roosts within range of foraging areas to provide cover during their diurnal and nocturnal
resting periods (Evelyn et al. 2003). They also need roosts for protection from predators and for
thermal regulation, especially during the breeding season when female bats require warmer
roosts for rearing young (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). While some bats roost alone, many BC
bats are colonizing species, where females form large maternity colonies in group roosts to rear
young in the spring (Fenton, 2005). Male bats of these species will roost alone or in small
groups. Depending on the species, roost sites can be under the loose or rough bark of trees, in
tree hollows, on the ends of branches, in rock crevices, in tunnels and caves or in human made
structures (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993).
Bats have developed several adaptations to live in seasonal climates, including torpor,
hibernation and migration. These adaptations can differ between sexes and species of bats.
Torpor is a hibernation-like state that bats can enter to conserve energy, reducing their heart
rate and metabolism while lowering their body temperature to ambient with their surroundings
(Altringham, 1996). Male bats enter torpor more often than female bats during breeding season,
as female bats need to maintain a steady body temperature for optimal development of their
young (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). Hibernation is an extended form of torpor, where bats roost
in areas that maintain stable temperatures over the winter, rousing occasionally to obtain
moisture (Fenton, 1983). Some bat species are migratory and leave their summer range in the
fall, flying to other areas where they can hibernate or stay active over the winter. The bat
species that live in the Lower Mainland of BC and may be found in Stanley Park are listed in
Table 1 (VNHS, 2006, Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993).
4
Table 1. Bat species found in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia that are believed to use
Stanley Park, Vancouver BC and their federal and provincial status as of 2010 (VNHS,
2006, Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993).
Common Name
Species
RISC1
Provincial2
Federal3
Code
Status
Status
Silver-haired Bat
Lasionycteris noctivagans
LANO
Yellow
None
Big Brown Bat
Eptesicus fuscus
EPFU
Yellow
None
Hoary Bat
Lasiurus cinereus
LACI
Yellow
None
Townsend's Big-eared Bat
Corynorhinus townsendii
COTO
Blue
None
Keen’s Myotis
Myotis keenii
MYKE
Red
DD 2003
Little Brown Myotis
Myotis lucifugus
MYLU
Yellow
None
Yuma Myotis
Myotis yumanensis
MYYU
Yellow
None
California Myotis
Myotis californicus
MYCA
Yellow
None
Western Long-eared Myotis
Myotis evotis
MYEV
Yellow
None
Long-legged Myotis
Myotis volans
MYVO
Yellow
None
1
Resource Inventory Standards Committee code; all mammals are prefaced with M
Provincial at risk status: Yellow: secure species, Blue: species of special concern, Red:
endangered or threatened species (BC Conservation Data Centre, 2010)
3
Federal at risk status from COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Species in
Canada). DD 2003: data deficient as of 2003.
2
2.1 Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)
Silver-haired Bats are typically associated with coniferous forest and riparian habitats from sea
level to 1220m (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). Silver-haired Bats typically roost in trees either
alone or in small groups of 2-6, with only two small maternity colonies ever found in Canada
(Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). Generally a migratory bat, Silver-haired Bats have been found
hibernating under western red cedar (Thuja plicata) bark and in coastal Douglas-fir
(Pseudotsuga menziesii) wildlife trees in BC (Fenger et al. 2006). In Oregon and Alberta, Silverhaired Bats have been found to be associated with old growth forest (Fenger et al. 2006).
5
2.2 Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
Big Brown Bats inhabit a variety of habitats across BC. The range of this species within BC is
unknown, however they have been found from Washington to Alaska and the Yukon, therefore it
is assumed that their range extends throughout BC (Fenger et al. 2006). Big Brown Bats range
in elevation from sea level to 1070m (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). They have a strong affinity
for human structures and are generally non-migratory, remaining in their natal territory
throughout their lives (BC Conservation Data Centre, 2010). In some environments, such as the
Okanagan Valley, Big Brown Bats are known to prefer tree roosts such as in ponderosa pine
(Pinus ponderosa) rather than human structures (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993).
2.3 Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
The Hoary Bat is the largest bat in BC. They are commonly associated with both grassland and
forest habitats at elevations from sea level to 1250m (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). Hoary Bats
are migratory and are distributed widely throughout southern BC, however very little is known
about their abundance (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). Hoary Bats do not colonize but may
associate in large groups during migration (BC Conservation Data Centre, 2010). Their roosts
are usually located near the ends of branches where they have protection from predators and an
unobstructed flight path (Cryan & Brown, 2007). Male Hoary Bats roost alone while the females
roost with their young (Fenger et al. 2006).
2.4 Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii)
Townsend’s Big-eared Bats are named for their large ears, which are about one half of their
body length (Fenton, 2005). They are distributed from sea level to 1070m throughout most of
southern BC in a variety of habitats from coastal forests to grasslands (Nagorsen & Brigham,
1993). Townsend’s Big-eared Bats roost in caves and human structures, with few recorded
maternity colonies found in Canada. One of the few colonies recorded was in the Lower
Mainland, in Minnekhada Regional Park, Coquitlam BC (Smyth, 2000). Townsend’s Big-eared
6
Bats maintain small home ranges and will remain in their natal territory, but are sensitive to
human disturbance and may abandon a roost once they has been disturbed by humans
(Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993).
2.5 Keen’s Myotis (Myotis keenii)
Limited information is available on the biology of Keen’s Myotis. Keen’s Myotis is listed as Data
Deficient as of 2003 by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
(COSEWIC) (COSEWIC, 2009). Much of the information about Keen’s Myotis has come from
studies conducted on a maternity colony on Hotspring Island located within Gwaii Haanas
National Park Reserve of Canada in the Queen Charlotte Islands of BC (Fenton, 1983). They
appear to be distributed mainly along the Pacific Northwest coast with most of their population
occurring entirely within BC (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). Because of the vulnerability of this
small population, the species is Red listed (threatened or endangered status) within BC (BC
Conservation Data Centre, 2010). Keen’s Myotis roost in coastal forest wildlife trees and use
caves as winter hibernacula sites (Fenger et al. 2006).
2.6 Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus)
Little Brown Myotis utilize a wide range of habitats, and due to their adaptability are distributed
throughout the entire province. Little Brown Myotis have the greatest elevation range of all the
bats in the province, with observations recorded from sea level up to 2288m (Nagorsen &
Brigham, 1993). Little Brown Myotis use a wide variety of summer roosting sites including loose
bark, tree cavities, rock crevices, caves, mines, and buildings (Fenger et al. 2006). Males tend
to roost alone or in small groups while females in maternity colonies roost in large groups of
hundreds or even thousands (Fenger et al. 2006). Little Brown Myotis have been recorded to
live up to 30 years and generally maintain small ranges in the Lower Mainland of BC (BC
Conservation Data Centre, 2010).
7
2.7 Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis)
Yuma Myotis are widely distributed throughout southern BC and are locally abundant in the
Lower Mainland (BC Conservation Data Centre, 2010). They are commonly associated with
coastal Douglas-fir forests, interior ponderosa pine forests, and grassland habitats from sea
level to 730m (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). Yuma Myotis utilize wildlife trees, caves, rock
crevices, and human structures as roosting habitat. They are one of the few bat species in BC
that forage over both marine and fresh water and are closely associated with open water access
(Fenger et al. 2006).
2.8 California Myotis (Myotis californicus)
California Myotis are found along the west coast and throughout most of southern BC (Eder &
Pattie, 2001). They are distributed on most of the islands along the Pacific Coast including
Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands and have an elevation range of sea level to
1300m (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). California Myotis forage mostly over the surface of lakes
but have also been known to hunt over the tree canopy (Fenger et al. 2006). They do not form
large maternity colonies and roost in caves, rock crevices, and human structures (BC
Conservation Data Centre, 2010). Wildlife trees have been found to be important for providing
roosting locations for this species in BC (Fenger et al. 2006).
2.9 Western Long-eared Myotis (Myotis evotis)
Western Long-eared Myotis are well distributed throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver
Island. They are more tolerant of high, cool elevations than other bats, and sustain breeding
populations up to 1220 m (Fenger et al. 2006). They are adaptable in their choice of roosting
habitat but prefer coastal forests with rocky outcroppings and interior riparian forests (BC
Conservation Data Centre, 2010). This species can forage in a variety of habitats, including
heavy foliage (Fenger et al. 2006).
8
2.10 Long-legged Myotis (Myotis volans)
Long-legged Myotis, one of the largest Myotis species in BC, is well distributed across the
province and is one of the most common bats found in the western United States (Fenger et al.
2006). Long-legged Myotis are associated with coniferous forest as well as riparian and desert
environments (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). They are flexible hunters and will forage for prey
over water, in clearings and through vegetation, often for sustained long distances (Nagorsen &
Brigham, 1993).
9
3.0 Study Area
Stanley Park is a 404.9 ha urban park located adjacent to the downtown core of Vancouver
(Figure 2). The park is situated on the end of a peninsula surrounded by Burrard Inlet to the east
and English Bay to the west. The land has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years,
with the park area originally used by Coast Salish First Nations as a seasonal community and
resource harvesting site. Development of what is now Stanley Park was largely prevented
through the British military use of the land (Parks Canada, 2002). Logging of the park area
occurred during the 1800s, resulting in the second growth forest found throughout most of the
park today. The park became a protected area in 1888, with the land base of the park owned by
the Canadian Federal government and leased to the City of Vancouver for use as a municipal
park (Parks Canada, 2002).
Figure 2. Stanley Park peninsula adjacent to the downtown core of Vancouver British Columbia.
Inset map: Stanley Park (2009).
10
Several major developments have shaped Stanley Park. The creation of the Lions Gate Bridge
in 1938 changed the topography of the park, linking the downtown core of Vancouver to the
North Shore across Burrard Inlet (Davis, 2004). In order to control erosion around the park
periphery a seawall was constructed, eventually being developed into a continuous trail
connecting the park to adjoining areas. Much of Stanley Park has been developed to provide
recreational opportunities and has a range of facilities such as playing fields, water-parks and
playgrounds. The park is managed for both recreation and conservation, with extensive
managed forests remaining since the 1800s (SPES, 2009a). Management of the park is the
responsibility of the City of Vancouver, through the elected Vancouver Park Board. Stanley Park
is a designated National Historic Site of Canada and a major tourism draw, receiving an
estimated eight million visitors per year (VBPR, 2009).
Stanley Park has two major waterbodies, Beaver Lake in the interior of the park and Lost
Lagoon on the southern perimeter (Figure 3). Lost Lagoon is a mostly freshwater brackish lake
formed by the creation of the Stanley Park Causeway in 1916, which cut off the tidal lagoon from
Coal Harbour (Davis, 2004). This changed the shallow saltwater lagoon into a freshwater lake
which is now connected to the municipal water system to ensure stable water levels (VNHS,
2006). Beaver Lake is a marshy, natural lake which has also been affected by the causeway
development and is fed partially by the municipal water system (Worcester, 2010). Beaver Lake
is in the process of infilling and is largely covered by plant growth, including introduced pond
lilies. Beaver Creek is fed by Beaver Lake and is one of the few free flowing salmon bearing
streams in Vancouver (Figure 3). Beaver Creek connects Beaver Lake to Burrard Inlet and
provides estuarine habitat where the creek meets the ocean.
11
Figure 3.The two major water bodies in Stanley Park: Beaver Lake (A) and Lost Lagoon (B).
Beaver Creek (C) is fed by Beaver Lake.
Stanley Park provides important habitat for many wildlife species, both resident and migratory.
Much of the most productive wildlife habitat in the park is concentrated around Lost Lagoon and
Beaver Lake. Lost Lagoon is especially important for migrating and local bird resting and feeding
habitat. The smaller Beaver Lake forms the majority of high quality wetland habitat in the park.
Many mammal species including Striped Skunks (Mephtis mephitis), Raccoons (Procyon lotor)
and introduced Eastern Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) have significant populations within
Stanley Park (SPES, 2010). Both waterbodies provide crucial foraging habitat and freshwater
access for the bat community of the park.
Stanley Park is located in the dry maritime subzone of the Coastal Western Hemlock
biogeoclimatic zone (Green & Klinka, 1994). Exhibiting the coniferous forest typical to the climax
stage of this zone, the dominant tree species in Stanley Park are western hemlock (Tsuga
heterophylla), coastal Douglas-fir, and western red-cedar (VNHS, 2006). This temperate zone
has warm, dry summers and moist, mild winters with little snowfall.
12
On December 15, 2006 through early January 2007 major windstorms caused extensive
blowdown damage throughout Stanley Park (Figure 4), with the most apparent damage focused
on Prospect Point (SPES, 2009b). The entire area was affected, with approximately 10,000
trees blown down in the park (VBPR, 2009). The windstorms created a mosaic of open spaces
within what was previously mature second growth forest habitat. While the damage and
subsequent removal of fallen trees changed the habitat values of the mature forests affected,
the subsequent renewal of the forest created new wildlife habitat in the park. The blowdown
areas were intensively restored for aesthetic values with 15,000 trees and shrubs planted by the
Vancouver Park Board (VBPR, 2009).
Figure 4. Stanley Park blowdown affected areas following the major December 2006
windstorm.
13
4.0 Methods
4.1 Colony Emergence Count
Three colony emergence counts were conducted on August 15, 18, and 20, 2009. The counts
were performed at an identified maternity colony site at the Stanley Park Dining Pavilion. A
visual count of bat emergences was made starting approximately 30 minutes before sunset.
Each bat was counted as it emerged by carefully monitoring the colony entrance.
4.2 Acoustic Monitoring
Two series of acoustic surveys were conducted for the Stanley Park Bat Survey. The first series
was conducted in summer from August 15 to September 19 2009. The second series was
conducted from October 27 2009 until April 14 2010.
The acoustic survey was a presence/not-detected survey carried out according to guidelines
from the Resource Inventory Standards Committee (RISC) Inventory Methods for Bats (Ministry
of Environment, 1998). The survey was conducted using a Batbox III heterodyne bat detector to
acoustically monitor feeding and travelling activity. Most echolocation bursts, produced when
bats are navigating or homing in on prey, are inaudible to humans. Heterodyne bat detectors
convert the ultrasonic sound into frequencies audible to the human ear. The behaviours of the
bats can be ascertained by listening to the regularity of the sound. Bats emit different sounds
depending on their activity. While navigating, the echolocation bursts have a relatively slow rate,
resembling a regular ‘put’, ‘tick’ or ‘chirp’ sound. These slower echolocation pulses are called
‘passes’. During feeding activity the echolocation pulses speed up to resemble a ‘buzzing’
sound. These are called ‘feeding buzzes’ or ‘buzzes’ (Ministry of Environment, 1998). A ‘tonal
chirp’ sound recoded while monitoring bat navigating pass activity was recorded as a pass on
the first survey. Starting with the second summer survey session, ‘chirp’ sounds were recorded
14
in their own category due to a noticeable acoustic difference from other navigating ‘passes’
noted while surveying.
The acoustic monitoring procedure, as outlined in RISC, requires monitoring the 20, 30 and 40
kHz range of frequencies. This is necessary to monitor the range of echolocation frequencies
used by the different bat species believed to be in the area, as many species echolocate at
unique frequencies (Ministry of Environment, 1998). At every monitoring site the 20 kHz
frequency was monitored for a 5 minute period after which the frequency was increased by 10
kHz until all three frequencies had been monitored. The detector was then returned to 20 kHz
and the monitoring cycle repeated for a total monitoring period of 30 minutes. All of the acoustic
monitoring sessions were conducted at night, from after sunset to 01:00.
4.2.1 Summer Acoustic Monitoring
From August 15 to September 19 2009 a total of fourteen acoustic surveys were carried out.
Each of the fourteen sites was monitored once for two monitoring cycles, for a total of 30
minutes. Each of the fourteen sites was chosen to represent the range of habitats available to
bats within the park (Figure 5). Site selection was conducted according to RISC standards,
which recommends selecting sites based on the identified habitat preferences of bats.
Freshwater and marine shoreline habitats are known to be preferred feeding sites, as well as
clearings near water (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). The sites chosen for the acoustic survey
focused on areas where the habitat provided potential roosting sites and water access within
close proximity. Trails were also identified as possible travel corridors for monitoring.
15
Figure 5. The 14 acoustic monitoring sites used for the 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Survey.
4.2.2 Winter Acoustic Monitoring
From October 27 2009 to April 14 2010 a total of 11 acoustic surveys were carried out. Each site
was monitored for 2 monitoring cycles, for a total of 30 minutes. All winter monitoring was
conducted at two of the fourteen monitoring sites, Lost Lagoon (Site 2) and Beaver Lake (Site
5). Throughout the winter, monitoring frequency was reduced to once a month, or as weather
conditions allowed. Monitoring in winter was focused on the Lost Lagoon and Beaver Lake sites
due to their proximity to water and optimal foraging habitat. By conducting monitoring at sites
with high quality habitat the probability of detecting low levels of bat activity during the winter
was increased. Winter monitoring sessions were carried out just after sunset.
4.3 Mist-Net Trapping
Nine net nights of live mist-net trapping were carried out over four work nights on August 30, 31
and September 13, 21 2009. A set of three 38mm mesh, 2.6m x 9m mist nets were used. The
16
mist-net trapping focused on areas over water as most bats use open water for drinking and
foraging. Reconnaissance surveys were conducted to determine productive areas over or near
water to employ the mist-nets. Mist-net arrays of 1 to 3 mist nets were used at each site. Mistnets were set up over land to block travel corridors, with nets set over water deployed with a
minimal clearance over the water surface to effectively capture bats. Bats were also captured at
the entrance to the colony roost with a single hand-held net, providing an opportunity to examine
the bats emerging from the roost site.
Upon capture the bats were placed into labelled cotton bags and retained for one hour to allow
the complete digestion and elimination of any food in the gut that could potentially affect the
weight of the animals. Cotton bags were used to prevent injury or suffocation during the holding
period (Wilson, et al.1996). After the holding period each bat was weighed and sexed, a
description of the bat’s fur colour and behaviour was recorded, and specific measurements of
the forearm, ear, and tragus were made (Figure 6). The age class of the bat was determined to
be adult or immature by examining the swelling of the finger joint as juvenile bat bones are not
fully fused (Figure 7). Species specific features were also examined for identification purposes.
These features included the presence of a fringe on the tail (Figure 8 A and B), whether the
calcar was keeled (Figure 8 C and D) or if the area around the eyes was bald. All the bats were
examined by order of capture, ensuring the bats were processed as quickly as possible as
prolonged holding can cause extra stress to bats (Wilson, et al.1996).
17
Figure 6. Features used to identify bat species on the 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Survey:
Forearm measurement (FA). Ear measurement (E). Tragus measurement (TR)
(Source: Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993).
Figure 7. Features used to determine bat maturity on the 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Survey:
Finger joint of a mature bat (A). Finger joint of an immature bat (B) (Source: Nagorsen &
Brigham, 1993).
Figure 8. Features used to identify bat species on the 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Survey: Tail
with fringe present (A) and absent (B). Calcar with keel (C) and unkeeled (D)
(Source: Nagorsen & Brigham 1993).
18
4.4 Habitat Survey
The habitat survey was comprised of two components. The first was to gather information using
maps, orthophotos and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) map layers to develop a site
description for each monitoring site. The second component was a survey of the potential roost
trees in the forested regions within a 50 m radius of Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon.
Information gathered for each of the fourteen sites included forest stand data and site proximity
to habitat features. The forest plantation map of Stanley Park was used to describe the forest
age class, year the stand was established, dominant tree species and average height of the
stand of each of the monitored sites (Beese & Paris, 1989). ArcMap map data was used to
describe the vegetation site association of each monitoring site, as well as the site proximity to
freshwater, wetland, trails and roads. The ArcMap linear measurement tool was used to
measure the distance from each site to the nearest freshwater, wetland, trail and road in metres.
Elevation was not corrected for as the distance was measured as a bat would fly.
The wildlife tree survey was conducted by evaluating all trees in the 50 m riparian region of
Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon for their bat roost habitat value. Potential bat roosts were
considered to be wildlife trees, which are large live trees or damaged trees and dead trees. All
tree species were included in the survey. Wildlife trees were categorized using RISC guidelines
for wildlife tree assessment (Ministry of Environment, 2009). Minimum height and diameter at
breast height (DBH) parameters were set based on bat behaviour and habitat needs. Bats prefer
tall, large trees that provide security and thermal regulation as roost sites (Arnett & Hayes,
2009). Dead trees were considered wildlife trees if they were 5 m in height or more. Live trees
were considered potential roost trees if they were 5 m in height or more with a DBH of 150 cm
and over. A DBH of 150 cm was used to select veteran trees within the park, to be consistent
with previous veteran tree surveying conducted in Stanley Park by SPES. Tree heights were
19
visually estimated and DBH measurements taken with a diameter tape. The trees were mapped
using a handheld GPS unit to record a UTM point for each tree surveyed.
4.5 Education Module
A bat focused classroom education module was created for Stanley Park Ecology Society’s
education program department. The module was designed to meet the BC Integrated Resource
Package life science curriculum for grades 5-7 (British Columbia Ministry of Education, 2005).
This learner range complements the current SPES bat education program intended for grades
K-4. The program created for SPES consists of a 45 minute presentation integrating two 10
minute interpretive presentations and two interactive activities. The presentation focuses on the
bats of BC and provides an overview of the key aspects of their anatomy, life history, and
ecological role. The activities examine the anatomical similarities between humans and bats and
demonstrate how echolocation functions. The program incorporates an opportunity for
interested educators to participate in an interpretive walk around the school grounds to explore
potential bat habitat and discuss the habitat needs of bats. Bat-box building plans are also given
to the educator to provide further opportunities for learning.
20
5.0 Results and Discussion
5.1 Colony Emergence Count
A bat maternity colony was first discovered in the Stanley Park Dining Pavilion in the spring of
2007. A preliminary survey of the colony on August 4, 2009 recorded 163 bats emerging from
the colony at dusk (Worcester,Pers. Comm. 2009). Colony emergence counts conducted on
August 15, 18 and 20 2009 found a maximum of 9 emerging bats.
The first emergence count of the Dining Pavilion maternity colony for the Stanley Park Bat
Survey was conducted on August 15, 2009 from 20:10 until 22:20. The first bats were seen at
20:43. A total of 9 bats were observed. The second emergence count was done on August 18,
2009 from 20:10 until 22:00. No bats were observed. The final emergence count was done on
August 20, 2009 from 19:10 until 21:45. The first emergence was at 20:28. A total of 5 bats were
observed.
The decrease in numbers of bats observed emerging from the colony over the month of August
2009 reflects the typical rearing period of bats in temperate climates (Nagorsen & Brigham,
1993). Bats mate in late summer or early autumn just before hibernating. Fertilization is delayed
until after bats awaken from hibernation, with young born typically in June or July and fledged by
late August- early September (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). After this period female bats will
disband their maternity colonies to mate in preparation for migration or hibernation (Nagorsen &
Brigham, 1993). Based on the colony count results the maternity colony in Stanley Park appears
to disband in mid-August.
The maternity colony in Stanley Park is believed to be a Yuma Myotis colony as most large
maternity colonies found in the Lower Mainland of BC have been identified as Yuma Myotis
21
(Eder & Pattie, 2001). Mist-netting at the colony site produced a male Big Brown Bat which was
captured as it emerged from the maternity colony entrance. Multiple species of bats may share a
roost space, however it is unknown if the male and female bats are using the space concurrently
as bats usually use sexually segregated roosting sites (Altringham, 1996). However male Big
Brown Bats may use the same roost sites as female bats of other species as they have similar
thermal requirements to female Yuma Myotis (Lausen & Barclay, 2006).
5.2 Summer Acoustic Monitoring
Acoustic monitoring revealed bat activity of varying levels at all but one of the sites monitored
(Table 2). Lost Lagoon (Site 2) had the highest number of feeding buzzes (53) and passes
(119), with Beaver Lake (Site 5) having the second largest number of feeding buzzes (16) and
passes (71). Sites near the seawall (Sites 7, 8 and 12) had the next highest level of feeding buzz
and pass activity. Acoustic monitoring results for the other sites documented activity throughout
the park with lower frequency. While monitoring pass activity multiple sounds were identified,
however chirp sounds identified during the monitoring session at Lost Lagoon on August 15,
2009 were combined with other pass activity.
22
Table 2. Acoustic survey summary of bat echolocation activity during the 2009/2010
Stanley Park Bat Survey, Vancouver BC.
Site
1
2
3
Site Description
Total Total Total
Date
Site UTM
15-Aug-09
0490751 5460730
0
X*
0
15-Aug-09
0489750 5460498
119
X*
53
Prospect Point, Lions Gate Lookout 18-Aug-09
0489634 5462289
9
0
0
Entrance To Mallard/Brockton Oval
Trail
Lost Lagoon North End
Pass¹ Chirp² Buzz³
4
Hollow Tree, Back End of Field
18-Aug-09
0488909 5461562
6
2
1
5
Beaver Lake, North End
20-Aug-09
0489935 5461401
71
10
16
6
South Creek Trail Entrance
20-Aug-09
0489966 5460704
4
0
0
7
Seawall near Second Beach
22-Aug-09
0489105 5460013
32
21
2
22-Aug-09
0488896 5460539
24
0
6
8
Blow-down Area near Second
Beach
9
Junction of Siwash/Merriles Trail
26-Aug-09
0489269 5462122
5
0
0
10
Mini Train Entrance
26-Aug-09
0490276 5460994
4
2
0
11
Brockton Oval Trail Bench
26-Aug-09
0490673 5460709
1
0
0
12
Beaver Creek Bridge/Sea Wall
11-Sep-09
0490134 5461594
29
0
7
13
Bridle Path
19-Sep-09
0489370 5461846
1
0
0
14
Lost Lagoon Under Stone Bridge
19-Sep-09
0489377 5460330
29
1
8
1= Echolocation activity while navigating is noted as a pass
3= Echolocation activity while navigating, but heard as a higher tone, is noted as a chirp
2= Echolocation activity while feeding is noted as a buzz
X*=Tonal chirps heard but not distinguished during the first survey, included in the pass
category
The activity levels are represented as high (>30), medium (15-30) and low (<15), by the total
number of passes recorded at each site (Figure 9).. All of the high and medium levels of activity
were recorded at sites associated with freshwater. Lower incidences of activity were found at the
sites farthest from major sources of freshwater, including waterbodies, streams and wetlands.
Developments such as bridges, trails and the seawall did not seem to affect activity levels.
23
Figure 9. 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Survey August-September 2009 acoustic monitoring
pass activity by site.
A comparison of pass activity recorded at all fourteen sites during the summer acoustic survey
found that the majority of pass activity was recorded while monitoring the 40 kHz frequency with
the remainder of the activity split nearly evenly between 20 kHz and 30 kHz. Over 50% of the
chirp sounds produced during pass activity was observed in the 20 and 30 kHz range with only a
small percentage in the 40 kHz range.
24
The heterodyne bat detector is limited by not being able to record and analyze echolocation
bursts to narrow the identification of individuals to the species level, however the range of
frequencies noted during acoustic surveys suggests the presence of multiple bat species. The
largest percentage of echolocation activity was noted in the 40 kHz range, which is the
frequency used most often by the Myotis genus of bats (Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division,
2000). This correlates with the species captured in the mist-net trapping survey, which were
largely Myotis bats. The pass activity with ‘put’ sounds noted at 20-30 kHz could possibly
indicate the presence of Big Brown Bats, which were trapped in the mist-net survey, Acoustic
data cannot be used to identify species of bats but do suggest a diversity of species use the
park. Echolocation frequencies used by bats that are potentially found in Stanley Park are
shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Echolocation frequencies of the ten species of bats found in the Lower Mainland of
British Columbia when using a heterodyne bat detector (Adapted from RISC 1998).
Common Name
Echolocation Frequency
Silver-haired Bat
25-35 kHz, output a tonal chirp
Big Brown Bat
25-35 kHz, output a "put" sound
Hoary Bat
20 kHz
Townsend's Big-eared Bat
20-90 kHz
Keen’s Myotis
40 kHz, output a sharp "tick"
Little Brown Myotis
40 kHz, output a sharp "tick"
Yuma Myotis
40 kHz, output a sharp "tick"
California Myotis
40 kHz, output a sharp "tick"
Western Long-eared Myotis
40 kHz, output a sharp "tick"
Long-legged Myotis
40 kHz, output a sharp "tick"
25
The first acoustic monitoring session recorded tonal chirps, which were documented separately
in following monitoring sessions to aid in the interpretation of the data. This was important as
bats are known to echolocate at a range of frequencies depending on species and different
sounds indicate the possibility of different species. Tonal chirps heard at the 20 kHz frequency
suggest that species such as Hoary Bats, Townsend’s Big-eared Bats or Silver-haired Bats are
using habitat within Stanley Park. Following the survey a Silver-haired Bat was captured in
Stanley Park in April 2010.
Acoustic monitoring determined the presence of bats at throughout Stanley Park. Bats were
detected at all but one of the sites surveyed. Bat activity was distributed throughout the park,
with the highest levels recorded in edge habitats close to water (Table 2). A large percentage of
bat activity was detected near Lost Lagoon and Beaver Lake. This supports previous research
which shows that bats prefer habitat with access to fresh water for drinking and foraging (Arnett,
2007). Supporting the recorded acoustic data, bats were also observed visually engaging in
foraging above the surface of waterbodies in the park. Higher insect concentrations around
waterbodies may increase bat activity in these areas. The marine environment also showed high
levels of use, possibly because Yuma Bats, the most numerous species identified using the park
(See Section 5.4), are known to forage over saltwater (Brigham et al. 1992; Nagorsen &
Brigham, 1993). Estuarine habitats, where freshwater and marine water are in close proximity
have been conjectured to provide good habitat for bats (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993), which was
supported by the high bat use noted at the estuary of Beaver Creek (Site 12).
Open areas are typically preferred for use as travel corridors and feeding areas for bats. Trails
and clearings provide habitat structure appropriate for foraging and travel, with insects
congregating in clearings and providing foraging opportunities. Most bats are intolerant of
cluttered roost sites or travel routes and prefer open access through a site (Cryan & Brown,
26
2007). Acoustic monitoring results produced passes with little accompanying feeding activity in
open areas not in close proximity to freshwater. This suggests that these areas are being used
primarily as travel corridors. The open forest structure prevalent in the blow down sites (Sites 3,
5, 11) showed similar levels of activity to those noted in clear areas (Sites 4, 6), indicating that
these open areas provide habitat value to bats as foraging sites or possible travel routes to more
preferred foraging areas.
5.3 Fall-Winter Acoustic Monitoring
Fall and winter acoustic surveys detected no bat activity from November 2009 until April 2010.
Low levels of activity were detected at Beaver Lake (Site 5) on October 27 2009, with no further
activity detected throughout the winter monitoring sessions at Beaver Lake or Lost Lagoon (Site
2). Bat echolocation activity was first detected on March 3 2010 at Beaver Lake. Following
March 3 2010, all subsequent monitoring sessions at both sites through March and April of 2010
produced bat activity, with a trend toward increasing levels of activity, represented by total
passes (chirps, ticks and puts) (Figure 10).
Total Ecolocation Pass Activity
160
140
120
100
80
60
Lost Lagoon
Beaver Lake
40
20
0
Jul-09 Aug-09 Sep-09 Oct-09 Nov-09 Dec-09 Jan-10 Feb-10 Mar-10 Apr-10 May-10
Figure 10. 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Survey acoustic monitoring echolocation activity
levels at Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon.
27
Bat activity is thought to decrease through the fall and winter, as bats in temperate climates
generally hibernate or migrate for the winter (Falxa, 2007). In periods of warming temperatures
bats may rouse to drink and forage. Periods of lower temperatures require higher energy
resources for bats to sustain activity. Cooler weather produces lower insect populations that
may not provide bats with sufficient energy resources to maintain regular activity.
5.4 Mist Net Trapping
A total of 20 bats were captured over 9 trap nights in August and September 2009 (Figure
11).Three species were captured over the trapping period: Yuma Myotis, Little Brown Myotis,
and Big Brown Bat. Four of the bats captured were not identified to species because the
similarity between Myotis species makes positive identification difficult without genetic analysis.
Eighteen of the bats captured were male, two were female. Eighteen of the bats captured were
mature, two were immature. Both of the female bats were mature adult bats.
12
Bats Captured
10
n= 10
8
n= 5
6
n= 4
4
n= 1
2
0
Yuma Myotis
Little Brown Big Brown Bat
Myotis
Unknown Myotis
Species
Figure 11. Total numbers of bats captured by species during mist net trapping sessions in
August and September 2009 of the 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Survey.
28
Mist-net trapping was productive, with all trap sessions being successful in capturing bats. The
most productive trapping sites were the Beaver Creek Bridge/ Seawall and Beaver Lake (Table
4). The largest numbers of bats caught were Yuma Myotis, a species known to be locally
abundant in the Lower Mainland of BC that has been previously observed in Stanley Park
(VNHS, 2006). The other two species caught, the Little Brown Myotis and the Big Brown Bat are
also known to be well distributed in BC (Eder & Pattie, 2001). Mist-net trapping sessions in 2008
produced two Big Brown Bats, two Little Brown Myotis and two unknown Myotis genus. The bats
captured in 2008 represent most of the same species as the 2009 mist-net captures.
Mist-net trapping confirmed the presence of bats detected through the acoustic surveying and
provided an opportunity to confirm what species of bats are found within the park. This was
complementary to the acoustic monitoring, which can reliably detect bats but cannot be used to
identify the species of bats. The mist net trapping confirmed the results of the acoustic survey,
with almost all of the bats caught belonging to the Myotis genus, the only exception being the
Big Brown Bat.
29
Table 4. Mist-net capture results 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat Survey, Vancouver BC.
Date
Site
Net
Species
Sex
Age class
Aug-30-09
Beaver Lake North End
1
Yuma Myotis
M
Adult
Aug-30-09
Beaver Lake North End
1
Little Brown Myotis
M
Adult
Aug-30-09
Beaver Lake North End
1
Myotis Species*
M
Adult
Aug-30-09
Beaver Lake North End
1
Yuma Myotis
M
Adult
Aug-30-09
Beaver Lake North End
1
Yuma Myotis
M
Adult
Aug-30-09
Beaver Lake North End
1
Little Brown Myotis
M
Adult
Aug-30-09
Beaver Lake North End
1
Myotis Species*
M
Adult
Aug-30-09
Beaver Lake North End
1
Myotis Species*
M
Adult
Aug-30-09
Beaver Lake North End
2
No Captures
Aug-31-09
Pavilion Maternity Colony
1
Big Brown Bat
M
Adult
Sep-13-09
Beaver Creek Bridge/Sea Wall
1
Yuma Myotis
M
Immature
Sep-13-09
Beaver Creek Bridge/Sea Wall
1
Yuma Myotis
F
Adult
Sep-13-09
Beaver Creek Bridge/Sea Wall
1
Yuma Myotis
M
Adult
Sep-13-09
Beaver Creek Bridge/Sea Wall
1
Yuma Myotis
M
Adult
Sep-13-09
Beaver Creek Bridge/Sea Wall
1
Myotis Species*
M
Adult
Sep-13-09
Beaver Creek Bridge/Sea Wall
1
Yuma Myotis
M
Adult
Sep-13-09
Beaver Creek Bridge/Sea Wall
2
Little Brown Myotis
M
Adult
Sep-13-09
Beaver Creek Bridge/Sea Wall
2
Little Brown Myotis
F
Adult
Sep-13-09
Beaver Creek Bridge/Sea Wall
2
Little Brown Myotis
M
Adult
Sep-13-09
Beaver Creek Bridge/Sea Wall
3
No Captures
Sep-21-09
Lost Lagoon Stone Bridge
1
Yuma Myotis
M
Immature
Sep-21-09
Lost Lagoon Stone Bridge
1
Yuma Myotis
M
Adult
Sep-21-09
Lost Lagoon Stone Bridge
2
No Captures
Sep-21-09
Lost Lagoon Stone Bridge
3
No Captures
Myotis Species*= Positive identification to species not possible without genetic analysis.
30
The mist-net trapping conducted in August and September 2009 caught primarily male bats. The
September 2008 bat mist-netting sessions caught only male bats. The uneven gender ratio in
trap captures may reflect the late season dispersal of female bats after the reproductive season.
This corresponds with the low number of bats observed during emergence counts made at the
maternity colony in August 2009. The mist-net session conducted at the entrance to the Pavilion
maternity colony site caught one adult Big Brown Bat male, which suggests that the colony site
is utilized by multiple species of bats. The colony is suggested to be made up of female Yuma
Myotis during the reproductive season as they are the most common colonizing bat in the Lower
Mainland (Eder & Pattie, 2001).
Male Big Brown Bats may use the same roost sites as female Yuma Myotis as they have similar
thermal requirements (Lausen & Barclay, 2006).Other bat species are possibly sharing the roost
space or moving in after the females move out of the colony site at the end of the reproductive
season. The changing thermal needs of the bats could precipitate this movement, as during the
early summer reproductive period female bats are in need of a warm space, while most male
bats prefer cooler roosts (Nagorsen & Brigham, 1993). Mist-netting and monitoring in the
2009/2010 study took place later in the year (late August – early September) after the
reproductive period when the thermal needs of female bats are reduced, possibly allowing other
bats to move into the space following the dispersal of the females. Mist net trapping also
intercepted two immature bats, indicating that the young of the year had fledged and the
reproductive period of the year had been completed.
5.5 Habitat
Stanley Park provides bat habitat throughout the park. The mature coniferous forest, well
distributed freshwater sources and riparian corridors maintained within the park are valuable to
31
many species of bats. In order to examine the distribution of valuable habitat features each
monitoring site was described based on habitat data previously collected on digital maps.
5.5.1 Stanley Park Map Survey
Using ArcMap GIS map layers and data from the Stanley Park forest plantation map, habitat
data for each of the 14 acoustic monitoring sites was compiled. The forest stand information
(Beese & Paris, 1989) and site association for each site is shown in Table 5. The monitoring
sites represent the range of stand ages and site associations within Stanley Park currently. The
domination of western hemlock in the forest stand tree species make-up reflects the past
forestry harvest practices, which preferentially selected western red cedar and Douglas-fir for
harvest.
32
Table 5. Forest vegetation type for the 14 acoustic monitoring sites in the 2009/2010 Stanley
Park Bat Survey.
Age/Year
Dominant Tree
Average
Site
Height
Association†
Site #
Forest Age Class
Established
Species*
1
Immature
1964
Fd
2
Not Forested
3
Immature
1958
Hw > Dr
S-S
4
Immature
1956
Hw > Fd
S-W-F
5
Mature
300 years
Hw Cw >Fd
43 m
D-S
6
Mature
1875
Hw Fd
48 m
L-F-S
7
Not Forested
8
Immature
1965
Dr
9
Mature
300 years
Hw >Cw >Fd
45 m
F-S
10
Mature
1875
Hw Fd
49 m
None
11
Mature
225 years
Hw >Cw Fd
43 m
L-F-S
12
Mature
300 years
Cw >Hw
45 m
L-F-S
13
Immature
1951
Fd >Hw
14
Not Forested
L-F-S
W
SC
F-S
W
*RISC Tree Codes: Fd – Douglas-fir, Hw – western hemlock, Cw – western red cedar, Dr – red
alder
† Site association:
L-F-S = lady fern-foamflower-sword fern
S-S = sword fern-spiny wood fern
S-W-F = sword fern-spiny wood fern-foamflower
D-S = deer fern-salal, F-S = foamflower-sword fern
SC = skunk cabbage W= wetland
Mature and old growth forest stands provide optimum habitat for forest-using bats (Humes et al.
1999). The mix of stand ages in Stanley Park provides open corridors and foraging locations in
proximity to available roosting sites. A heterogeneous forest structure is preferred by bats to
young forests or predominantly open areas lacking edges for cover (Luszcz, 2004). Stanley Park
is extensively managed, with most of the large trees in Stanley Park topped for aesthetic values.
This reduces the vertical heterogeneity of the forest and is less favourable for bats, which prefer
treetops that extend beyond the forest canopy (Brigham, et al. 1997). The diversity of site
associations in Stanley Park provides bats with habitat features that are increasingly less
33
common in the Lower Mainland. All six site associations present in Stanley Park are represented
by the monitoring sites used in the survey. The diversity of available habitat in the park is
important for bat populations.
Freshwater and wetlands are beneficial habitat features for bats, providing foraging and drinking
opportunities. Stanley Park provides well distributed riparian habitat and freshwater access,
creating high-quality bat habitat (Luszcz, 2004). Trails and low use roads may be used as travel
corridors for bats, however high use roads pose a risk to bats and may cause negative impacts
(Lesinski, 2008). Table 6 shows the proximity of each monitoring site to features that affect
habitat quality for bats.
Table 6. Site proximity to habitat features for the 14 acoustic monitoring sites in the 2009/2010
Stanley Park Bat Survey.
Site #
1
Site
Entrance To Mallard/Brockton Oval
Trail
Freshwater
Wetland
Trail and Road
Proximity (m)
Proximity (m)
Proximity (m)
950
240
13
2
Lost Lagoon North End
2
72
2
3
Prospect Point, Lions Gate Lookout
975
180
0
4
Hollow Tree, Back End of Field
950
260
90
5
Beaver Lake, North End
5
15
0
6
South Creek Trail Entrance
200
230
0
7
Seawall near Second Beach
0
150
0
8
Blow-down Area near Second Beach
600
19
4
9
Junction of Siwash/Merriles Trail
350
160
0
10
Mini Train Entrance
65
270
0
11
Brockton Oval Trail Bench
920
320
0
12
Beaver Creek Bridge/Sea Wall
0
38
0
13
Bridle Path
54
260
0
14
Lost Lagoon Under Stone Bridge
1
320
0
34
5.5.2 Wildlife Tree Survey
A total of 82 wildlife trees were counted during potential roost tree surveys around Beaver Lake
and Lost Lagoon. Around Beaver Lake 50 trees were counted (Figure 12) while 32 trees were
counted around Lost Lagoon (Figure 13). At Beaver Lake four tree species were included in the
wildlife tree survey: western red cedar, 32 trees (36%), western hemlock, 32 trees (36%),
coastal Douglas-fir, 10 trees (20%), and red alder, 4 trees (8%). At Lost Lagoon four species
were included: western red cedar, 23 trees (72%), western hemlock, 5 trees (16%), bitter cherry
(Prunus emarginata,) 2 trees (6%), and coastal Douglas-fir, 2 trees (6%).
Figure 12. Beaver Lake wildlife tree locations surveyed during the 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat
Survey.
35
Figure 13. Lost Lagoon wildlife tree locations surveyed during the 2009/2010 Stanley Park Bat
Survey.
Proximity to freshwater is important for bat roosting sites, with previous research showing
decreased capture rates at potential roosting sites as the distance from foraging sites increased
(Luszcz, 2004; Arnett, 2007; Arnett & Hayes, 2009). The distribution of appropriate roosting
trees in the riparian areas of both of the major waterbodies in Stanley Park is an indicator of high
quality potential bat habitat. Bats use the peeling bark, bark crevices and cavities of trees as
roosting habitat. Veteran and dead trees offer bats many crevices and cavities for use as
roosting sites.
Previous research has found that the probability of a tree being used by bats as a roost
increased as the DBH increased (Arnett, 2007). In one study of Yuma Myotis roost preferences,
36
conifer trees with a DBH ≥ 115 cm were found to be the most preferred site, with live trees of a
smaller diameter used less frequently. (Evelyn et al. 2003). Many trees exceeding this size were
found in the riparian surveys, providing roosting habitat for Yuma Myotis as well as other tree
roosting bats. Douglas-fir trees appear to be the most important species of tree for tree roosting
bats followed by western hemlock and western red cedar (Brigham, et al. 1997; Evelyn et al.
2003; Arnett, 2007; Arnett & Hayes, 2009) Few veteran coastal Douglas-fir trees were found on
either survey site, however the mature forest community of the park provides relatively high
numbers of veteran western red cedar trees with large cavities and crevices for use as roosts,
as well as younger Douglas-fir trees.
6.0 Education Module
The Stanley Park Ecology Society offers BC curricula-focused school programs and public
education. A resource package and school group presentation for the SPES education
department was created to supplement the existing grades K-4 program, enhancing the life
science curriculum offered for grades 5-7 (British Columbia Ministry of Education, 2005). The
guidelines and linked subjects are as follows:
Grade 5
Describe the basic structure and functions of the human respiratory, digestive,
circulatory, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems
Explain how the different body systems are interconnected
As mammals, bats have many similarities to humans and can be used for comparison to
facilitate understanding of the human body. The digestive and nervous systems of bats can also
be compared to that of humans, providing insight to their functions. Bats have respiratory and
circulatory systems similar to humans, differing from birds while facilitating flight. The muscular
37
and skeletal systems of bats are based on the same components as humans but are uniquely
adapted for flight. An examination of the ‘hand-wing’ structure of bats is an important feature of
bat education and can be used to increase understanding of human skeletal and muscular
systems while showing how bats have adapted all of their body parts for an aerial existence.
Grade 6
Demonstrate the appropriate use of tools to examine living things that cannot be seen
with the naked eye
Analyse how different organisms adapt to their environments
Distinguish between life forms as single or multi-celled organisms and belonging to one
of five kingdoms: Plantae, Animalia, Monera, Protista, Fungi
Echolocation, common to all BC bats, uses high-frequency pulses that cannot usually be
perceived by humans. The use of an ultrasonic detector to convert high-frequency pulses into
audible sounds is used to detect bats that cannot be seen or heard. Bats are adapted to their
environments in several ways that can be explored, including torpor and hibernation. The
nocturnal and crepuscular life strategy of bats is also a unique adaption that allows them to fill a
specific ecological niche. Bats are excellent examples of animals that adapt to different
environments by utilizing a range of habitats.
Grade 7
Analyse the roles of organisms as part of interconnected food webs, populations,
communities, and ecosystems
Assess survival needs and interactions between organisms and the environment
Assess the requirements for sustaining healthy local ecosystems
Evaluate human impacts on local ecosystems
38
Bats have specific environmental requirements for roosting and foraging habitat. Diverse natural
communities provide the secure roosting habitat and foraging opportunities that bats rely on. As
nocturnal invertebrate predators, bats fill an essential role in the ecosystem similar to, but
uniquely different from that of insectivorous birds. The long lives and low reproductive rate of
bats makes bat populations vulnerable to negative human impacts. An environmental interaction
currently occurring is White Nose Syndrome, a fungus introduced into caves in the north-eastern
USA that is causing high mortality in bat populations that hibernate in caves.
7.0 Conclusion and Recommendations
The Bats of Stanley Park project is an important step in learning more about the bats of the
Lower Mainland of BC. The project was successful in identifying four species of bats using the
park and examining the distribution of bat activity in the different habitats available in the park.
This will facilitate a better understanding of the habitat requirements of bats in Stanley Park and
allows for better management of the bat species in the park. Conducting monitoring throughout
the year was valuable to gaining a better understanding of the active period for bats in south
western BC, and is useful for planning future studies.
Recommendations following this study are that acoustic surveying and mist-net trapping should
continue annually. Ideally surveys should be carried out year-round, with greater intensity in the
spring and summer. Summer acoustic surveys should be conducted from March to the end of
September at least twice a month, with more regular monitoring being optimal. The number of
monitoring sites should be increased to gain a better understanding of the distribution of bat in
the park. Sites should be monitored multiple times during the survey period, providing a better
estimate of bat activity at each site. Winter acoustic surveys should be conducted from October
through February and should be carried out once a month on the sites with the highest quality
habitat as based on the most up to date data. An Anabat bat detector should be used if possible,
39
as the acoustic data it records can be used to help identify bats to species. Mist-netting trapping
should be conducted beginning in July, although care should be taken to avoid trapping near
suspected maternity colony sites as this may impact nursing bats. The identified maternity
colony should continue to be monitored using site visits or infrared camera technology to learn
more about the bats using the site.
Stewardship of bat habitat is crucial to protecting bats in the park. All wildlife trees and large live
trees in the riparian zones of Lost Lagoon and Beaver Lake should be preserved. Development
requiring tree removal should be prevented and riparian areas preserved. Installation of bat
boxes near Lost Lagoon would be beneficial in enhancing bat habitat in the area and would
provide a valuable opportunity for educating the public on the importance of bats in the
ecosystem.
Continuing to provide education on bats to the public and to schools is positive in raising
awareness and shifting attitudes about bats. Bat box workshops, park interpretive walks and
school-based education programs are all components to building support for bats in the
community. To ensure that there are healthy bat populations into the future it is essential to
educate people and build partnerships for bat conservation.
40
8.0 List of References
Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division. (2000). Handbook of Inventory Methods and
Standard Protocols for Surveying Bats in Alberta. Alberta Fish and Wildlife
Division.
Altringham, J. D. (1996). Bats: Biology and Behaviour. Oxford: Oxford University
Press.262 pages.
Arnett, E. B. (2007). Presence, Relative Abundance, and Resource Selection of
Bats in Managed Forest Landscapes in Western Oregon. Doctoral
Dissertation. Oregon State University, Oregon.
Arnett, E. B., & Hayes, J. P. (2009). Use of Conifer Snags as Roosts by Female Bats
in Western Oregon. The Journal of Wildlife Management 73(2) , 214-225.
Barclay, R. M., & Brigham, R. M. (1996). Bats and Forests Symposium.
Victoria: BC Ministry of Forests.
BC Conservation Data Centre. (2010). BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer.
Retrieved from B.C. Ministry of Environment:
http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/
BC Ministry of Environment. (2010). Freshwater Fishing Regulations. Retrieved 04
05, 2010, from BC Ministry of Environment:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/images/fw_regions_blue_cities.gif
Beese, W. J., & Paris, G. (1989). Stanley Park Regeneration Program: Folio III.
Vancouver: Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and Macmillan Blodel
Limited Woodlands Services.
Brigham, R. M., & Fenton, M. B. (1986). The Influence of Roost Closure on the
Roosting and Foraging Behaviour of Eptesicus fuscus. Canadian Journal of
Mammalogy , 1128-1133.
Brigham, R. M., Aldridge, H. D., & Mackey, R. L. (1992). Variation in Habitat Use
and Prey Selection by Yuma Bats, Myotis yumanensis. The Journal of
Mammalogy, 73(3) , 640-645.
41
Brigham, R. M., Vonhof, M. J., Barclay, R. M., & Gwilliam, J. C. (1997). Roosting
Behaviour and Roost-site Preferences of Forest-dwelling California Bats
(Myotis californicus). Journal of Mammalogy, 78(4) , 1231-1239.
British Columbia Ministry of Education. (2005). Science K to 7 Integrated Resource
Package 2005. Retrieved 12 2, 2009, from Ministry of Education:
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/scik7.pdf
BC Conservation Data Centre. (2010). BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer.
Retrieved from B.C. Ministry of Environment:
http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/
COSEWIC, Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. (2009, 04
07). COSEWIC wildlife species search. Retrieved 03 10, 2010, from COSEWIC
Government of Canada: http://www.cosewic.gc.ca
Craig, V. J., Friis, L., & Wilkinson, L. (2005). Bat Conservation Strategy for British
Columbia and Alberta. Gabriola Island: Ecologic Research.
Cryan, P., & Brown, A. (2007, May 27). Migration of bats past a remote island
offers clues toward the problem of bat fatalities at wind turbines. Biological
Conservation , web.
Davis, C. (2004). The History of Metropolitan Vancouver. Retrieved November 11,
2009, from The History of Metropolitan Vancouver:
http://www.vancouverhistory.ca/
Eder, T., & Pattie, D. (2001). Mammals of British Columbia. Edmonton: Lone
Pine.296 pages.
Evelyn, M. J., Stiles, D. A., & Young, R. A. (2003). Conservation of Bats in
Suburban Landscapes: Roost Selection by Myotis yumanensis in a residential
area in California. Biological Conservation , 463-473.
Falxa, G. (Autumn 2007). Winter Foraging of Silver-haired and California Myotis
Bats in Western Washington. Northwestern Naturalist , 98-100.
Fenger, M., Manning, T., Cooper, J., Guy, S., & Bradford, P. (2006). Wildlife & Trees
in British Columbia. Edmonton: Lone Pine.336 pages.
42
Fenton, M. B. (2005). Hinterland Who's Who- Bats. Retrieved November 5, 2009,
from Canadian Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Federation:
http://www.hww.ca/hww2.asp?id=63
Fenton, M. B. (1983). Just Bats. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.
Findley, J. S. (1993). Bats- A Community Perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press.156 pages.167 pages.
Green, R., & Klinka, K. (1994). A Field Guide for Site Identification and
Interpretation for the Vancouver Forest Region. Victoria: Ministry of Forests.
Henderson, C. L. (1992). Woodworking for Wildlife. Minnesota: Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources.112 pages.
Holroyd, S. L., Barclay, R. M., Merk, L. M., & Brigham, R. M. (1994). A Survey of
the Bat Fauna of the Dry Interior of British Columbia. Victoria: Wildlife
Branch Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks.
Humes, M. L., Hayes, J. P., & Collopy, M. W. (1999). Bat Activity in Thinned,
Unthinned and Old-Growth Forests in Western Oregon. The Journal of Wildlife
Management 63 (2) , 553-561.
Humphrey, S. R. (1975). Nursery Roosts and Community Diversity of Nearctic bats.
Journal of Mammalogy , 321-346.
Lausen, C. L., & Barclay, R. M. (2006). Benefits of Living in a Building: Big Brown
Bats (Eptesicus fuscus) in Rocks Versus Buildings. Journal of Mammalogy,
87(2) , 362-370.
Lesinski, G. (2008). Linear Landscape Elements and Bat Casualties on Roads. Ann.
Zool. Fennici 45 , 277-280.
Luszcz, T. M. (2004). Community Structure and Habitat Use by Forest-Dwelling
Bats in Southwestern British Columbia. University of Calgary, Alberta,
Canada.
Ministry of Environment. (1998). Inventory Methods For Bats: Standards for
Components of British Columbia's Biodiversity No. 20. Ministry of
Environment, Lands and Parks Resources Inventory Branch. Resources
Inventory Committee.
43
Ministry of Environment. (2009, Oct 1). Tree Attributes for Wildlife. Retrieved Jan
20, 2010, from BC Intergrated Land Management Bureau:
http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/risc/pubs/teecolo/fmdte/taw.htm
Nagorsen, D. W., & Brigham, R. M. (1993). Bats of British Columbia (Vol. 1). UBC
Press and Royal British Columbia Museum.164 pages.
Parks Canada. (2002). Stanley Park National Historic Site of Canada
Commemorative Integrity Statement. Vancouver: The National Parks And
National Historic Sites Of Canada.
Pierson, E. D. (1998). Tall Trees Deep Holes and Scarred Landscapes: Conservation
Biology of North American Bats. Bat Biology and Conservation (pp. 309-325).
Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press.
Smyth, M. S. (2000). A maternity colony of Townsend's Big-eared Bats,
Corynorhinus townsendii. Vancouver: UBC.
SPES (2010). Stanley Park Ecology Society. Retrieved January 5, 2010, from
www.stanleyparkecology.ca: http://www.stanleyparkecology.ca/
SPES (2009a). Stanley Park Ecology Society. Retrieved November 5, 2009, from
www.stanleyparkecology.ca: http://www.stanleyparkecology.ca/
SPES (2009b). Stanley Park Ecology Society Annual Report 2008-2009.
Vancouver: Stanley Park Ecology Society.
Tuttle, M. D. (2005). America's Neighborhood Bats. University of Texas Press.98
pages.
Tuttle, M. D., Kiser, M., & Kiser, S. (2004). The Bat House Builder's Handbook.
University of Texas Press. 35 pages.
VBPR Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. (2009). Vancouver Park Board
Parks and Gardens. Retrieved November 5, 2009, from vancouver.ca:
http://vancouver.ca/Parks/parks/Stanley/history.htm
VNHS Vancouver Natural History Society (2006). Wilderness on the Doorstep:
Discovering Nature in Stanley Park. Madeira Park: Harbour Publishing.192
pages.
44
Wilson, D. E., Cole, F. R., Nichols, J. D., Rudran, R., & Foster, M. S. (1996).
Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity Standard Methods for
Mammals. Smithsonian Institution.409 pages.
Worcester, R. (2009, August 15). Personal Communication. (D. Sinclair, & E.
Rutherford, Interviewers)
Worcester, R. (2009, August 15). Personal Communication.
Worcester, R. (2010). State of the Park Report for the Ecological Integrity of
Stanley Park. Vancouver: Stanley Park Ecology Society.
45
9.0 Appendices
Appendix 1 Mist-Net Capture Data
Stanley Park Bat Capture Data
Project:
Survey date:
Study Area:
Study Site:
Cloud cover:
Wind:
Precipitation:
Temp (start):
Temp (end):
Sunset time:
Surveyors:
ID #
Stanley Park Bat Survey
Aug 30 2009
Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake @ Beaver Creek
none
none
none
22⁰ C
22⁰ C
19:58
SL, RW, ER, DS
Capt Capt
#
time
tax
code sex
age
class
Mistnetting survey results:
Net 1 UTM
Start time:
closing time:
Captures:
mass
(g)
Over lake from bank
20:20
20:50
8
forearm ear
length
length
(mm)
(mm)
tragus
length
(mm)
keel
090830-01
1
20:30 MYYU
M
Adult
7.5
34.9
11.8
no
090830-02
2
20:40 MYLU
M
Adult
7.3
37.1
12.6
4.7 no
090830-03
090830-04
4
5
20:40 MY?
20:40 MYYU
M
M
Adult
Adult
6
4.5
36.4
31.9
10.6
15
5.8 no
4.1 no
090830-05
090830-06
6
7
20:45 MYYU
20:45 MYLU
M
M
Adult
Adult
5.2
(e)7.5
35
33
9.3
11.4
5.4 no
6.4 no
090830-07
8
20:45 MY?
M
Adult
3.5
35.1
10.43
5.2 no
090830-08
9
20:45 MY?
M
Adult
5.6
36.4
12
4.8 no
fur
colour
light
brown
dark
brown/
lighter
belly
dark
brown/
lighter
belly
light
brown
dark
brown/
lighter
belly
dark
brown/
lighter
belly
bald
fringe eyes
behavior comments
no
no
no
fiesty
mites
no
no
yes
no
feisty
calm/ no vocalizations
yes
yes
46
Stanley Park Bat Capture Data
Project:
Survey date:
Study Area:
Study Site:
Cloud cover:
Wind:
Precipitation:
Temp (start):
Temp (end):
Sunset time:
Surveyors:
ID #
090831-01
Mistnetting survey results:
Stanley Park Bats
31-Aug-09
Stanley Park
Stanley Park Pavillion
None
None
None
21°C
21°C
19:56
SL, RW, ER, DS
Capt Capt
#
time
1
tax
code sex
8:25 EPFU
M
Net 1 UTM
Start time:
closing time:
Captures:
age
class
Adult
mass
(g)
13.7
by gate
8:15
8:45
1
forearm ear
length
length
(mm)
(mm)
47.5
12.95
tragus
length
(mm)
keel
15.49 N
fur
colour
bald
fringe eyes
behavior comments
Dark
Brown
N
Vocal/Firm Bite
Y
47
Stanley Park Bat Capture Data
Project:
Survey date:
Study Area:
Study Site:
Cloud cover:
Wind:
Precipitation:
Temp (start):
Temp (end):
Sunset time:
Surveyors:
ID #
Stanley Park Bats
13-Sep-09
Stanley Park
Stone Bridge@ seawall
80%
low
None
19°C
18°C
19:29
SL, RW, ER, DS
Capt Capt
#
time
tax
code sex
age
class
Mistnetting survey results:
Net 1 UTM
Start time:
closing time:
Captures:
mass
(g)
Mouth of Creek
6
forearm ear
length
length
(mm)
(mm)
tragus
length
(mm)
keel
090913-01
090913-02
5
4
9:08 MYYU
9:30 MYYU
M
F
Immature
Adult
7.5
7.5
34.29
36.32
9.35
11.94
5.11 N
5.08 N
090913-03
2
9:33 MYYU
M
Adult
7.9
36.1
13.84
6.5 N
090913-04
7
9:35 MYYU
M
Adult
6.7
33.45
13.87
5.92 N
090913-05
9
9:49 MY?
M
Adult
38.02
12.93
5.94 N
090913-06
8
9:56 MYYU
M
Adult
33.35
11.43
5.97 N
X
6.1
Net 2 UTM
Start time:
closing time:
Captures:
ID #
Capt Capt
#
time
tax
code sex
age
class
mass
(g)
fur colour
Light Brown Pale
Under
Light Brown
Light Brown Pale
Under
Light Brown Pale
Under
Light Brown Pale
Under
Light Brown Pale
Under
bald
fringe eyes
behavior comments
N
N
Y
Y
Calm Docile
Docile
Y
Y
Feisty
N
Y
Feisty
N
N
N
Y
2nd tier
Mites, Rich in poo
4th tier, vocal
Top Net
3
forearm ear
length
length
(mm)
(mm)
tragus
length
(mm)
keel
090913-07
3
9:30 MYLU
M
Adult
6.6
37.1
10.34
5.74 N
090913-08
1
9:40 MYLU
F
Adult
7.3
37.2
11.99
5.13 N
090913-09
6
9:49 MYLU
M
Adult
8.1
36.83
12.67
5.15 N
fur colour
Dark Brown Pale
Under
Dark Brown Pale
Under
Dark Brown Pale
Under
bald
fringe eyes
N
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
behavior comments
48
Stanley Park Bat Capture Data
Project:
Survey date:
Study Area:
Study Site:
Cloud cover:
Wind:
Precipitation:
Temp (start):
Temp (end):
Sunset time:
Surveyors:
ID #
Mistnetting survey results:
Stanley Park Bats
21-Sep-09
Stanley Park
Lost Lagoon Bridge
5%
None
None
14°C
13°C
19:12
SL, RW, ER, DS
Capt Capt
#
time
tax
code sex
Net 1 UTM
Start time:
closing time:
Captures:
age
class
mass
(g)
Net 2
Net 3
19:30
22:10
2
forearm ear
length
length
(mm)
(mm)
tragus
length
(mm)
keel
090921-01
1
20:34 MYYU
M
Immature
5.4
35.1
11.8
5.8 N
090921-02
2
20:47 MYYU
M
Adult
5.7
33.9
10.4
5.3 N
fur
colour
Dark
Brown
Dark
Brown
bald
fringe eyes
N
Y
N
Y
0 captures
0 captures
behavior comments
Vocal
49
Appendix 2 Mist-Net Trapping Permit
50
Appendix 3 Brilliant Bats Education Program
3.1 Brilliant Bats Lesson Plan
Activity
PowerPoint
Presentation
Objective
Introduce bats of BC
Discuss bat lifecycle and
place in the ecosystem
Explore bat anatomy
and echolocation
Resources
Lap-top computer,
projector, screen
Time Allocated
Two 10 minute sections
(Opening and closing
presentation)
Anatomy Matching
Game
Show comparative
anatomy between bats
and humans
Bat skeleton poster
2 Sets of 16 human part
cut outs
1 set of bat trivia cards
15 minutes
Echolocation Game
Show how bats use
echolocation for hunting
Shaker sets with distinct
sounds
10 minutes
School Grounds
Interpretive Walk
(optional)
Explore examples of
potential bat habitat on
the school grounds
None
10 minutes
Follow-up Activities
Provide resources for
teacher use following
program
Printouts (crossword
puzzle, bat box plans
etc.)
N/A
51
3.2 Brilliant Bats Presentation Script Overview
Presentation breakdown with main goals:
1. Introduction
a. Introduce yourself and your organization
b. Introduce subject and tell audience how long the presentation will be and what
will be covered
c. Go over rules of conduct and how to ask questions
2. Bat Species
a. Dispel misconceptions about bats (birds, rodents, blindness, caves, vampire
bats, rabies)
b. Describe where bats fit in the taxonomic system
c. Show pictures of the 16 bat species in BC and mention unique facts
3. Similarities of Anatomy to Humans
a. Flight
i. Compare bats and birds and bats and humans
ii. Show the mammalian body system adaptations to flight
iii. Activity 1: Comparison game
b. Echolocation
i. Activity 2: Echolocation game
ii. Compare bats and humans, explain body systems responsible for
echolocation
iii. Show adaptations for echolocation
4. Life History
a. Discuss the unique lifecycle of bats
i. Bat life cycle and longevity
ii. Torpor and hibernation
b. Diet
c. Discuss bat habitats and roosting needs
5. Ecosystem
a. Explain unique role as night time predators compare insectivorous birds
environmental balance: thousands of insects eaten, unique niche in the
environment
b. Dangers to bats: white-nose, wind-turbines, pest control
c. How people can help: bat-boxes
52
6. Bat Science
a. Explain how scientists study bats using ultrasonic detection (bat detectors), night
vision, traps
b. Give examples of the difficulties of studying bats
7. Review
a. Misconceptions
b. Life cycle, flight, echolocation
c. Ecology, human impacts
i. How you can help
3.3 Comparative Bat Anatomy Game
Objectives
To teach the students how bat anatomy is comparable to human anatomy. The activity will focus
on comparing 16 parts that are common between bats and humans. This will teach the students
that even though the bat and human parts look dissimilar they function in similar ways and
evolved from similar ancestral forms.
Materials
2 laminated bat skeleton posters
2 sets of 16 labelled human parts
2 containers for labelled parts (e.g. boxes)
1 set of 40 bat trivia cards
Description
The class will be split into 2 teams. If there are two presenters each presenter will be a team
leader for one of the groups. Turn order for the first round should be decided randomly (i.e. coin
flip). The team leader will ask one of the bat trivia questions to the students. The students are
encouraged to collaborate and discuss answers. If the question is answered incorrectly the team
will forfeit their turn. If the question is answered correctly one student will be chosen to match a
53
human part to its corresponding bat part on the skeleton. After a student places a human part on
the skeleton another student will get a chance to place the next one. Play continues until one
team has completed their poster. The first team to complete their poster wins.
3.4 Echolocation Game
Objectives
To explore how bats use sensory awareness other than sight to navigate and locate prey. This
activity will teach the students predator-prey relationships.
Materials
2 sets of 16 shakers with unique sounds
Description
Using the same teams from the previous activity the class will be split into ‘bats’ and
‘mosquitoes’. The team that won the first activity gets to choose whether they want to be ‘bats’
or ‘mosquitoes’. The shakers are separated beforehand so that each shaker has a match on the
opposing team. Each student is given a shaker. The students are not allowed to make any
noise other than the shaker or open the shaker. All the students must receive a shaker before
the noisemaking can begin. The students will use their shakers to make noise while listening to
find their matching one. Once a ‘bat’ has found their matching ‘mosquito’ the ‘mosquito’ is
‘eaten’ and is out. Students continue the activity until everyone has found their matching shaker.
3.5 School Grounds Interpretive Walk
Objective
To give students a chance to explore their school grounds from the point of view of a bat. This
demonstrates where bats could potentially roost or forage. This activity shows students the
variety of habitats that bats use.
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Materials
Wildlife and Trees in British Columbia guidebook (Fengeret al, 2006)
Description
Walk around with the students, encouraging them to point out areas where bats could roost.
Examples are building overhangs, large trees with thick bark, and trees with high branches. Also
encourage the students to think of foraging areas for the bats, like nearby ponds or streams.
Explain the concept of minimum drop down height to the students, where bats need to drop
before they start flapping their wings to fly, like a person hang-gliding!
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Appendix 4 Bat Box Building Plan
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Source: (Tuttle, Kiser, & Kiser, The Bat House Builder's Handbook, 2004)
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